Only at the last minute did it become clear how to link with Wilson Pickett's "Mustang Sally" on the previous STAR BLUES, bearing in mind the need to tantalise with a suitable song at the end of the show. We've covered a lot of blues styles since the first link from Fleetwood Mac.
Last Sunday Big Jack Johnson died and it seems like another strong tie to the past has gone, he was the last of the Jelly Roll kings. I wanted to show his contribution to Robert Palmer's film "Deep Blues" but the disc refused to play ball in either drive. Instead we did a couple of tracks from his album on MC Records called "We Gotta Stop This Killing" (the title track is particularly apposite right now).
If you compiled a mix-tape of the songs so far in the feature "You Me 1001 Blues" (as listeners Jess and Mike are doing) you've got to the end of side one round about now with ZZ Hill's "Down Home Blues". The song defined a new genre and its album sold a million. The gospel spot had the Harmonizing Four complete with basso genius Jimmy Jones; the piano spot had a first appearance from Art Tatum whose florid, exuberant style was in contrast with his placid calm appearance. With birthdays of two very young listeners and a Facebook dialogue with Bermuda, STAR BLUES was over and done all too soon.
If you're interested in how we solved the puzzle of the links in the chain, wizz over to "blueschain.blogspot.com" and all will be revealed at ten pm next Sunday. Until then take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you.
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